September 12 was a night of all nights in Brisbane as the city opened its annual Brisbane River Festival. QBE Riverfire certainly delivered its promise last year to bring this year a bigger and definitely better opening to the hugest festival Queensland has ever seen. It was a night of musical and pyrotechnic extravaganza as the city’s skies, bridges, buildings, riverbanks, and even backyards came to life as hundreds of thousands of bystanders came to witness the spectacle of the opening night festivities.
The party burst before the sun went down. The roar of F-111 strike jets signaled the beginning of a truly spectacular fireworks display. To many people, it was historical as talks circulated that it was the last time the F-111 would be seen dumping and burning (Zippo, after the name of a popular cigarette lighter brand) as part of the annual celebration. By next year (2010), the aircrafts’ role in the festivities would be taken over by Super Hornets.

The night was cold, but still, many people went out to behold the spectacle. Past 7 p.m., fireworks started sprouting from apparently three different locations (along the river, from the river, and from tall city buildings). Bystanders experienced being actually surrounded by fireworks. Nobody could contest the fact that the sky that night was splendid—black with contrasts of colorful light sparkles.

The magnificence was ended by another F-111 performance about half an hour later. By that time, the festival and the fireworks had pumping background music, courtesy of Triple M 104.5 FM’s outside broadcast. The event was also covered live on television by Channel Seven. Yes, the fireworks seemed to dance along with the vibrant music.

To complete the musical experience, American rock star Chris Isaak started, about an hour after the breathtaking fireworks display. By that time, the crowd congregated more to the river stage, coming from various sides. The energy level was so high that everyone was practically raving especially when Chris decided to walk right into the audience, who sang along with his songs at the same time. Many people felt lucky to take photographs with him and shake his hand.

That opening night of the festival was a blast. We heard the organizers promised the 2009 event to be among the most thrilling that Brisbane ever staged. Brisbane Festival coincided with the commemoration of the city’s and the state’s sesquicentenary or 150th foundation year. Most of the events in the Riverfire festival staged on the succeeding nights (until October 3) were also exciting, albeit at different levels.

Tourism has always played an important role in Brisbane’s economy. This third most known Australian vacation destination (following Sydney and Melbourne) is seen by many as a sleepy country town that hides within a bustling city façade. However, it was in the recent years that the city has successfully stirred from the slumber and emerged as among the most ideal sites to live in across the country-continent. There are about a thousand tourists packing their bags and visiting Brisbane from all over the world every week, all year round.

Brisbane facilitates a perfect lifestyle. Vacationers could not have a hard time to understand why. Aside from its transformation into a sleek and cosmopolitan city with world-class art galleries, a fabulous café culture, and a booming live music scene, the city uniquely maintains its easy and laid-back attitude, typical of any small remote community. Without a doubt, Brisbane’s lazy and subtropical climate helps make up its overall appeal to holiday makers. It offers and facilitates more than enough unique activities that would surely keep vacationers’ interest.

Start the list of things to do with abseiling the city in champagne and nibbles. You could take a panoramic and romantic night view of the city as you dance with the lights in Story Bridge, which connects Brisbane CBD and the suburb center of Kangaroo Point. Recreation and daytime outdoor fun activities are facilitated at Southbank Parklands, which feature man-made lagoons and beaches, markets, giant television screens, and museums. Roma Street Parkland, the world’s biggest subtropical garden within a city center has themed gardens and recreational centers. Reading and eating packed lunches are activities that are ideally done at Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, while Brisbane Forest Park features a vast Australian wildlife in perfect display.

Not to be overlooked are theme parks that abound in the city. Steve Irwins Australia Zoo would certainly be appreciated by children as there are many wildlife creatures on display. Wet n Wild water park is obviously and is extremely popular during summer. SeaWorld would truly be a must-see for kids of all ages, especially the dolphins and polar bears, which are offered as alternative attractions other than thrill rides and water park amenities. DreamWorld houses some amazing rides with extraordinary thrills like Wipeout and Giant Drop.

Brisbane is also an ideal shopping destination. Queen Street mall, Portside Wharf, and the Fortitude Valley are where most of the popular shopping stores and boutiques are located. The sites also serve as venues for the most kicking nightlife and band culture showcases. As an added attraction, there are many resort accommodations that help further wrap up the entire Brisbane holiday vacation experience. There would never be any dull moment in this city.

If you are planning to visit Queensland for a holiday vacation, you surely are considering staying in Brisbane central business district on top of your list. However, you should be reminded that accommodations right at the bustling business district could be quite expensive. You should check out Kangaroo Point and it’s Brisbane accommodation.

Kangaroo Point is a suburban center in Brisbane, capital of Queensland, Australia. Its location is strategic at the eastern side of the Brisbane River, which separates it from the main Brisbane CBD. The two points are conveniently connected by Story Bridge, a cantilever bridge that spans the Brisbane River. The bridge is also among the city’s most prominent landmarks. It compliments the landscape of the suburb, which is predominated by high rise apartments.

Most of us like to spend the holiday vacation in a location that is best for both recreation and rest. Kangaroo Point combines both. It is a popular recreational destination for many reasons. First, it is very close to Brisbane CBD and south Bank Parklands, a public parkland with numerous tourist attractions. The Kangaroo Point Cliffs on Brisbane River’s east bank is a popular abseiling and picnic site where rock climbing is also be facilitated.

The site has a fully developed transport system, making it an ideal location for vacationers in Brisbane CBD. South-East Busway services the suburb with its transit line with buses running though Shafstons Avenue and Main Street. Aside from Story Bridge, another bridge connects Kangaroo Point to the north, Captain Cook Bridge. The center is also accessible via South East Freeway. Several ferry services facilitate transport through the river from Kangaroo Point to Brisbane CBD. Thus, there is always a ready access to Brisbane CBD’s main entertainment, sports, shopping, and recreation venues from Kangaroo Point.

There are many accommodation options in Kangaroo Point. My favorite is Bridgewater Terraces, a great resort-style family accommodation. It is a site where there is always a short ferry ride that could take you to and from Brisbane CBD. There is a huge range of hotels, self-contained apartments, and other accommodation types in the suburban center. But Bridgewater Terraces is certainly among the most sought-after. You have to find out for yourself the reason behind it. For sure, you would look forward to booking another holiday vacation there after you try it. For online inquiries and reservations on this tranquil oasis, visit the enquiries page.

Brisbane central business district is at the city’s heart, comfortably sitting in a curve along the Brisbane River. The walkable urban center fascinates people with its heritage buildings that could be dated to as far back as the 1820s. Central streets are mostly named after members of the British royal family, a living reminder that the state and the entire continent was once a British colony. Adelaide, Ann, Alice, Charlotte, Margaret, Mary and Elizabeth are streets that run parallel to Queen Street Mall (honoring Queen Victoria) and Queen Street. These are perpendicular to streets named after male royal family members like Albert, George, Edward, and William.

Population density is at 379.4 people every square kilometer (there are only 2.2 square kilometers covering the entire CBD). That is relatively high for any Australian city, almost equal to the density of Sydney. Like most western cities, Brisbane is sprawling into the nearby greater metropolitan area. The population density indicates that most of the city’s housing stock is comprised of detached homes. Most houses are in miniature Queenslander-style types, resembling larger traditional homes but only a quarter in typical size.

If you would drop by, you would find that apartment blocks and other multi residence accommodations could still be considered new to Brisbane CBD. Only a handful of such blocks were constructed in the 1960s. Some pre-1950 homes were built apparently in the distinct Queenslander architectural style featuring timber construction, high ceilings, and large verandas. At present, there are only a handful of buildings found in Brisbane CBD that have heights of more than 200 meters.

Do you intend to spend a holiday vacation in Australia’s Sunshine Coast? You should book for a holiday vacation stay at available Brisbane CBD accommodation. Bridgewater Terraces would be a perfect location to stay in while wandering through the many wonders of this part of the planet. The site is in close proximity to Brisbane CBD. The accommodation’s spaciousness is perfect for families, retirees, and couples who are always looking for ideal holiday vacation places for relaxation and convenience to top tourism and recreational locations in the area.

Bridgewater Terraces is near Brisbane River, so expect ideal and romantic views anytime of the day. It has superb resort facilities and amenities that are located within stunning tropical gardens. Most of all, the quiet and highly relaxing ambiance is perfect for holiday vacationers who aim to replenish and recharge their energy. You can send book enquiries online through the book your stay page.

Book ahead for that all important girls Xmas shopping trip to Brisbane’s CBD. No parking hassles and lots of great bargains available. Get your girlfriends together and make a weekend of it. So close to the Queen St Mall shopping precinct and the markets at Eagle St and Southbank.

It’s almost Xmas party time so make woopee at Bridgewater! Book a weekend away and combine your Xmas party with shopping! So many choices to choose from with great shops in the CBD and don’t forget the markets at Southbank and Eagle St pier.